People v. Seijas

Opinion

CHIN, J.

In this case, a witness against defendant admitted at the preliminary hearing that he had originally lied to the police about the identity of defendant’s accomplice. Because of this, shortly before trial began, defendant’s counsel suggested that the trial court should appoint an attorney to advise that witness whether to assert the privilege against self-incrimination. The court did so. When the witness did assert the privilege, defense counsel argued that the witness should be given immunity for his testimony. Counsel also argued that if the witness were granted immunity,…